Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (formerly The Up Side of Downs) is the primary resource for families and communities regarding Down syndrome, where all people are accepted, included and empowered. The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio envisions a community where people with Down syndrome have limitless opportunities and the ability to pursue their dreams. Life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.  40 years after the organization began, the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio has grown from a grassroots parent movement to a staffed non-profit organization providing service to more than 1,000 families in sixteen counties throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron & Canton. DSANEO programs focus on the three components of our mission-support, education, and advocacy. Programs are designed to meet the needs of families beginning with diagnosis and support individuals with Ds throughout their lifetime. Through a variety of programs, we help families to navigate through ages and stages and engage parents, grandparents, siblings and people with Down syndrome. DSANEO conducts support groups as well as private Facebook groups, moderated by DSANEO staff, that allow for opportunities for open discourse and idea sharing. Support groups include Moms, DADS, Baby & Toddler Play Groups, SibShops, Grandparents Group, Growing with 21 (for adult siblings of adults with Ds), Circle of Support (for families dealing with a dual diagnosis of Ds and Alzheimer’s), DS+ (for families dealing with a dual diagnosis of Ds and autism) & De familia a familia (supporting Hispanic families). Family grants are awarded in the spring and fall for medical & therapy needs. DSANEO offers education programming for children with Ds from 18 months of age through adulthood, recognizing the critical need for enrichment for young learners as well as ongoing learning opportunities for adults. ACES (Able, Capable, Empowered, Strong) education programs for adults help to strengthen families by providing life skills training for more independent living for self-advocates. Social programs continue to be an important component of what we do with weekly exercise programs, bingo, virtual dance parties and family events to engage families throughout Northeast Ohio. Advocacy is an important aspect of our work. Our largest advocacy event is the annual Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk, which brings together several thousand walkers & volunteers. DSANEO operates Artful 21, a bricks & mortar and online store featuring the work of 29 artisans with Down syndrome. 90% of the proceeds go back to the artisans and individuals with Down syndrome work in the store. In March 2022, we launched Sunburst Enterprises an initiative for the employment of adults with Down syndrome.